Ethnic wear like sarees, lehengas, anarkalis, and kurtis bring elegance and grace to any occasion. However, styling them right can seem intimidating. Follow these simple hacks and tricks to look flawless in your ethnic outfit:
Choose the Right Fabric
Fabric makes all the difference in how an ethnic ensemble drapes and falls on your body. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, georgette, and crepe are great for sarees and flowy kurtis. Silk, satin, and velvet add a luxurious touch for wedding wear. Cotton and blended fabrics are comfortable everyday options. Stay away from stiff fabrics like net that can restrict movement.
Get the Fit Right
An ill-fitting ethnic outfit can make you look sloppy. When buying stitched dresses or kurtis, try them on to ensure the right size. For sarees and fabric ensembles, get them stitched to your exact measurements. The blouse should be well-fitted but comfortable with the right sleeve length. The lehenga or skirt should sit at your natural waist. Focus on the right fit, not size.
Style it According to Your Body Type
Choose silhouettes that flatter your body type. Flowy anarkalis and long kurtis suit all body shapes. Lean women can opt for flared lehengas and heavily embroidered sarees. Curvy women should wear A-line kurtis and lehengas with minimal embellishments. Always play up your assets and balance your proportions.
Also Read: Tips For Buying Ethnic Wear Online
Layer it Right
Layering not only gives a put-together vibe but also helps manage tricky necklines and adds warmth. Wear a close-fitting tank top or sleeved blouse inside low-cut cholis. Throw a jacket or cape over sleeveless suits. Use shapely slips under sheer sarees. Explore smart layering to get more wear out of your ethnic garb.
Mind the Length
Length is everything when it comes to Indian wear. Lehengas should ideally rest at the ankle bone. Kurtis and tops should fall below your hip. Keep saree lengths consistent front and back. Try your outfit with the footwear you intend to wear to ensure a proper length. Hemlines can make or break your ethnic look.
Accessorize Wisely
Accessories complete an ethnic look, so choose them wisely. Sport chandbalis with sarees, studs with kurtis, and heavy jhumkis with lehengas. Skip the necklaces with high-neck anarkalis. Match your bag potli and juttis to your outfit. Haathphools, maang tikkas, and gajras make lovely hair accessories. Remember – less is more!
Nail the Drape
A well-draped saree can make you look like a million bucks. Pleats should be crisp and even at the front. Drape the pallu in a flattering style over your blouse and take it over your shoulder. Use safety pins to hold the pleats in place. Try dhoti and lungi style drapes for reception wear. Practice draping different styles to find your perfect fit.
Use Shapewear Wisely
Strategically used shapewear can smoothen lines and create a flattering silhouette. Opt for seamless variants to avoid visible panty lines. Stick to lightweight options during summer. Shapewear like slips, shorts and camisoles work well under sarees and lehengas. Choose pieces that compliment your curves rather than compressing them.
So there you have it, 10 simple hacks and tricks to help you rock ethnic wear confidently and effortlessly. Play with fabrics, silhouettes, accessories and styling to put together a stellar ethnic look. Dressing up in Indian wear is meant to be fun, so don’t stress – just follow these tips and enjoy the process. What are your favorite ethnic outfit hacks? Let me know in the comments!
